Can You Hear Me Now?

Oh, that pesky sun. Sure, it's the source of all life on Earth and the focal point of our solar system, but it sure can do some damage, too. Solar storms, which are magnetic disruptions that release spurts of charged particles out into space, are particularly troublesome. In just the last few years they've cost airlines and telecommunications companies millions of dollars. They're also known to disrupt cell phone service and cause power blackouts.

Which is why NASA wants to learn more about the sun. And with that in mind, they've launched two satellites that will provide the first-ever 360-degree view of the sun -- in 2011. The hope is that this will help keep future astronauts out of harm's way, and maybe shed some light (excuse the pun) on some of the mystery behind how stars work. It's just one more item to add to the list of 'Cool Stuff that NASA is Working On.'